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    California Zephyr - Amtrak

    3.0 (65 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

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    J R.

    If you have never traveled by train you are missing out. There are some drawbacks too. The great parts: Fellow travelers are great and nice to talk to. The views of the USA are amazing on the CA Zephyr line. So relaxing. The food is outstanding in the dining room. In the view car there is always stuff to see, socially interact with people, pay cards or board games with others. Amish people take the train to travel and they are very nice too. Definitely get a sleeper car if you are traveling any farther than Salt Lake City. Upgrading to a sleeper also includes all of your meals. The drawbacks: Amtrak is never "on-time." So if you need to be there at a certain time for sure, then fly or drive. NO smoking. There are smoke stops every few hours but it is not for everyone. Cost? It is about the same as flight, hotel, car, eating out.

    Reno Amtrak station ~ California Zephyr
    Ray F.

    Reno station, on the California Zephyr route. Another stop along the way - passengers coming and going, load and unload. A place to step outside for a few minutes and stress - smoke em if you got em. A modern facility with covered areas for passengers, bright and open, with staff all around this stop is busy - it straddles the California/Nevada border. Even though this particular train is a long route there are lots of short ride passengers coming and going, snowboards, skis and mountain bikes, the area is known for all of its outdoor activities. It's easier than driving and you don't have to remember where you parked. The Zephyr is a great American trip and it stops in cities and town large and small along the way. Take the train at least once in your life, it's a great way to see the country and a much more relaxed way to travel. 3 Stars - this station serves its purpose, not much to look at when just passing through - but definitely better than no cover at all. 00577

    Ultima M.

    I'm not too sure how I feel about Amtrak. It's a very fun easy way to travel however it takes FOREVER but then again you pass by areas of California that you would not get to see while driving the highways. The scenery is breath taking and if your not in a hurry then takin the Amtrak is for you. A typical 3 hour drive will take you 8 hours. My other hesitation is the cleanliness of the inside of the train. It seemed like the train was long over due for a carpet cleaning and chair cleaning. Not sure how often the seats are wiped down and head rest towel is changed. That is really the part that kinda has me torn about taking Amtrak. Plus side is you can eat and drink and people watch possibly meet new people and a I stated previously the scenery is awesome

    Linda H.

    I have ridden the Amtrak train many times. Mainly the Pacific Surfliner and have yet to ride the California Zephyr but I look forward to taking train to Sacramento someday. I visited the Reno station to pick up family from their train ride to and from Sacramento Train station is right off of Center Street and Commercial Row. Parking on a weekend can be difficult. I got their early and literally parked in Harrahs covered parking lot and waited for a car to leave, then drove back down for my spot closer to the station. The train was an hour late, but then again my experience has been that the train can be late now and then, never early, and sometimes on time. The station itself is old with interesting Reno artifacts. It's clean. Has an elevator that is slower than molasses, but also has an escalator. Sunday was a busy day and it looked like the train was pretty crowded. Still, for me, a ride on the Amtrak is relaxing and fun. Love to get hot dogs and junk food on the train and my son and I would play cards during the trip. It's easy to get tickets on the web. The trip forces you to take a breath, be patient, be accepting, relax, take in the scenery, and take it a minute at a time. Otherwise, drive if you are in more of a hurry.

    Leaving the Reno train station
    Claudia E.

    My first ride in an Amtrak train. I was so excited to experience the ride. So let's be brutally honest that I was super late to the station and literally holding up the train from leaving. Not by my fault but I take full responsibility. But as I am trying to hurry inside the train, the attendants were not helpful. I had to ask where to board and they looked at me as if I should know. Then I asked where to put my luggage and pointed at a corner full of suitcases. I stood there confused because there was no room for my big fat suitcase. After asking the attendant for help again, he said I was to put it in the next room. Well, again I couldn't figure out how in the world I should open the train door. Frustrated with me the attendant finally helped and told me to find an empty seat. Then came the best part, not! and not at all Amtrak's fault, of the train ride. But the area I chose to sit had a very loud and vulgar couple. My guess they were partially drunk because their semi opened bag on the floor had 1/2 drank alcohol bottle poking out. This is how you ruin the experience for others selfishly loud talking about your poor life choices. Also to elevate their vocabulary they used plenty of four letter words. Honestly I was shocked when they used the word charismatic as it had 4 syllables and was the longest word they used. They were considerate to share by answering their cell phones over and over and speaking loudly. I so regret losing my headphones. Where I wish Amtrak would do to improve the experience is by paying attention to disturbing customers and asking them to be quieter. This was a pattern for this couple because we were forced to hear how they got kicked out of a casino for being vulgar. Thank goodness they left on the first stop. After the couple left the ride improved 100%. I traveled in coach and this is the second level. The ride was smooth and peaceful. They occasionally have to make announcements, but they are quick and not loud. I did discovered that the chairs reclined and had handy leg rests. Loved them for sleeping. Again this is my fault because I arrived late, but I did not have an assigned dinner time. So I had to flag an attendant to ask when I could eat in the formal dining cart. I was left to the latest time of 7:30 pm. Dinner was expensive. I had 5 oz steak, green beans and mashed potatoes for $26. The steak was cooked ok, something that you could easily get at Sizzlers (this is not a compliment), the green beans were blah, not at all special just steamed and finally my $26 steak dinner was accompanied by instant mashed potatoes. Yuck! The meal came with complementary tiny dinner rolls. I am a bread lover so I had three of them instead of the mashed potatoes. You share seating with other travelers, so if you are shy this would be awkward. But if you like making friends like me, it was fun to have someone to talk to and kill an hour. Then came dessert, I picked a chocolate flourless cake for $6. This was good, not great, but edible and filled my chocolate craving. My dinning buddies gave me a tour of their room, they got the sleepers and it was nice to see these were an option if I ever chose to bring the family with me. I am 1/2 way to my destination, but this experience has not been the fun I expected. I so wish they had free WiFi. My phone didn't always pick up wireless while traveling. I am so great full to have outlets at every seat. This kept my device charged for entertainment. Bathrooms remind me of airplanes but dirtier.

    Depot
    Donna B.

    Really hard to review this. Tickets were a breeze to purchase online and price was reasonable. Station has easy access. But the station isn't real clear about having a second waiting area downstairs. Bummer on the next issue- train was to leave at 8:35a. We started to board at 9:45. Boarding was just short of horrendous. It's 28 degrees out and you stand in line to find out you're in the wrong line to get on. You get your seat assignment as you get on, and that really slows down the boarding process. We get to our seats to find them already taken and the train is sold out. We were able to find two seats across from each other, and later the conductor moved us to our original seats. The up sides- wow comfortable seats with tons of leg room. Incredibly quiet interior, we never heard the train whistle as we glided pretty smoothly thru the bright snowy Sierra mountains. These one done car with seats facing the windows to spend a little time watching the mountains go by. The dinning car is first come first serve. And there is a snack bar for sandwiches and chips. Coming back from Sac the station is much bigger but still easy to find the correct platform. There is still miscommunication as where to stand to board. The ticket system here was slightly better. The conductor stood at the door calling for parties of two and handed out seat assignments that way. So if traveling with more people, I suggest buying the tickets all at once on the same itinerary. A unique way to check out the countryside. Don't be in a hurry to travel this way, just enjoy the journey.

    Station waiting area.
    Nancy V.

    This review is for the Reno - Sacramento leg of our trip. I was warned by someone in the know, "don't get your expectations set too high". It was good advice. The down side - the train was over an hour late. Not really worthy of taking off stars as things happen - like rockslides, and having to yield to freight trains. For things they DO have some control over, like boarding and cleanliness of the train, and seat assignments, I really felt I needed to drop the rating to three stars. The whole boarding process was a disorganized mess. We were handed seat assignments as we were boarding - very inefficient and very disorganized. When we went to get our seats, the section we were supposed to be in was full and when we asked where were supposed to sit, we were told to just go toward the front of the train and find a seat and sit there. So We waded through the crowd and found the first open double seats which were in the next car. The seats, floor and tray tables were dirty. When the conductor came through to check our ticket, he was very rude and told us we were in the wrong car and why were we sitting there? Um, because we were told to just go find empty seats. I guess everything was rushed because they were running late and were hoping to make up some time, but I think the whole process ended up taking more time because of the inefficiency. So, for the upside - the station, the ride itself, the comfort and relaxation factor all help balance out the negatives. This is what makes train travel worth the time it takes. I really love the Reno station. It is an historic building. The upstairs waiting room evokes an earlier era with high ceilings, wooden benches and sunlight streaming through tall windows. The ride was wonderful The California Zephyr is one of the most scenic rides in America and the ride over Donner pass from the Truckee Meadows to the Sacramento Valley is no exception. We came over after a series of snow storms so the high passes were spectacular in all their winter glory. The snow literally sparkled in the sunlight. The seats were amazingly comfortable and could be reclined with impunity without infringing on the person behind you. Foot rests and lower leg rests were an adjustment away. And the overall relaxation was pure heaven. To sit in total relaxation while beautiful scenery slips by truly defines my idea of leisurely travel. The journey is the reason for this, the destination becomes secondary.

    Rawger C.

    Took a trip from Reno to Sacramento to show the wife a good time away from home. Parking is simple since there is a casino parking garage right across the street from the depot. With reservations made online in advance, all we had to do was be there on time. We boarded the train and found a seat until the conductor checked us in and then we spent the rest of the trip in the observation car. I really enjoyed the scenery as we chugged up the Sierras and then down to the California state capital in Sacramento. I was able to share with several people so many spots along the way that I wrote about in my website about my hikes on the transcontinental railroad. There are always a couple of volunteers that speak to the folks about historical sites along the way via speaker, but sometimes they are hard to hear. Besides, I hiked it so my stories were better! If you're needing to get away and don't feel like driving, try Amtrak! It's reasonably priced and you get to sit in a window seat and watch the world go by!

    Black film out of vents

    California Zephyr #5 is super filthy!! It totally needs a power washer taken to it and the carpet needs to be stripped out! When one pays $3,000 for a trip, I expect it to be clean! Take a ton of wipes bc you will need them to wipe the black film off tables, windows, your room, etc! Bathroom is a joke. Hard to sleep at night due to some of the tracks not being maintained, I'm guessing. Review the pictures attached to this review. Black film coming out of vents- wonder what we were breathing, don't know when a vacuum was last used, and if they would actually clean the tables, you might be able to see a mauve trim. I could go on and on. Menu is subpar and not many healthy choices. Don't get me started on Customer Service with attitude and rudeness. You will also be on hold for hours! Never again!!! There should be negative numbers for rating. Amtrak does not deserve any stars at all.

    Silvia A.

    I loved the train route through the Sierras. You can not beat the beauty of the Sierras. The rest of the trip is still nice, but that particular section is simply amazing. You will be glued to looking out of the train's window staring at the beautiful scenery. The train at Reno was late by 2.5 hours. Later in the afternoon it was shared that mechanical issues and lightening weather in the mid west caused the Reno train to be delayed. The Reno Station was pleasant and convenient. With the train delay most customers headed to Harrahs for breakfast and coffee. Lunch in the dining car was pleasant. I shared a table with other people from the Bay area. I like sharing a table and having an opportunity to meet and learn about new people. I had the Southwestern Salad with Chicken. Overall the salad was good and a dinner roll was included. Next time I will do without the chicken though. The chicken did not look like "real chicken". It was hard for me to eat the chicken. The salad dressing was the brand "Newman's Own. There were the typical drinks on the menu. I had a cup of water. Silverware was offered; noplastic utensils were used in Dining Car. There is a snack bar which offers sandwiches, chips, candy, water bottle, and sodas/ice tea. The restrooms were clean. There were five restrooms per train carts. The train cart have plenty of space to store the luggages and personal bags. The train carts are air conditioned. Two train carts had problem with the air conditioner system. The train conductor was customer service oriented and moved the impacted customer to available seats in the other trains. Overall my experience as a first time train rider was fabulous. I will most definitely plan another like trip possible once a month until we get into the heavy snow months.

    Delicious Chocolate & Caramel warm cake, and Cheese cake.
    Calise G.

    Today my mother and I rode on the Amtrak Zephyr from Davis ,California to Reno Nevada. It was a beautiful experience riding through different towns where there is city and country sceneries. Our Room server name Sam went beyond measures and helping my mother and I have a relaxing and comfortable experience along the Amtrak Zephyr. He had a very understanding personality and gave us great advice on how we can have a relaxing experience there and back to Davis, California. I greatly appreciate all of his helpful tips. Thank you very much for taking the time and helping my mother that has a hard time walking and climbing stairs on their Amtrak Zephyr. Sam ,you made our train and dining experience outstanding. I look for to traveling on the Amtrak Zephyr again. Thankyou!!!!!

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    I have herd many things about using railroaded .I don't know all about trains but am sure like to ride the zephyr.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - California Zephyr - Amtrak

    Where shall we go to get a car rental after getting off the California Zephyr Amtrak in Reno NV?

    There isn't one close by the Amtrak station Downtown Reno, but there are plenty of options in Reno be it Midtown or Uptown. Enterprise, Hurtz, Reno Car, Budget ect. Best to Google or Yelp the most convenient location.

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - California Zephyr - Amtrak

    You will be glued to looking out of the train's window staring at the beautiful scenery.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    RTC FlexRide - Could've been better.

    RTC FlexRide

    1.2(5 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    I use RTC FlexRide, an on-demand curb-to-curb public bus service that operates only in designated…read moreService Areas. Which are select areas of Sparks/Spanish Springs, Somersett/Verdi, and in select areas of North Valleys, NV. The time to wait for the RTC FlexRide has varied for me from 10 minutes to three-and-one-half hours to occasionally didn't show up all with NO notice (which is obnoxious). Then there was the horrible and terrifying time RTC FlexRide dropped me off 10 blocks from the address I had scheduled to be dropped off at (which was very obnoxious putting me in a fair bit of panic). Check the RTC FlexRide website for the location of each Service Area and the hours of operation in each Service Area. A Senior all-day pass is $1.50. All passes for RTC FlexRide have to be purchased at only either of the two bus stations: Plaza in Reno, NV or Centennial in Sparks, NV. The RTC FlexRide bus has a lift which due to my disabilities I often am forced to use. RTC FlexRide management doesn't care that I often need to use a lift because their RTC FlexRide mini-van they send out to me has NO lift (which also is obnoxious). The FlexRide app ONLY works on a smart phone! That is preposterous and pitiful because I know a lot of my fellow FlexRide passengers, especially seniors and disabled, that only have flip phones due to limited income. The trip schedulers are adequate. Be aware though that the schedulers often get over-whelmed and occasionally put down the wrong address I'm being picked up at or dropped off at so make sure you're outside looking for the RTC FlexRide vehicle because they don't look hard or long for you. Also be aware that the RTC FlexRide vehicle may be a Big Star mini-van or even a taxi, neither of which have a lift. RTC FlexRide management doesn't care that I often need to use a lift because their Big Star mini-van or taxi they send out to me has NO lift (which also is obnoxious). The RTC FlexRide drivers are adequate. RTC FlexRide Customer Service, which is a RTC FlexRide manager, is not so adequate. I suggest you report issues to https://www.rtcwashoe.com/about/contact/contact-form/ so there is a paper trail. Although RTC Washoe and RTC FlexRide management are reluctant to leave a paper trail and will pressure you into phone calls -- I don't recommend phone calls as a phone conversation is no paper trail. Beware a business that doesn't want to put in writing what they're telling you. RTC Washoe has contracted with MTM Transit https://www.mtmtransit.com/ to operate RTC FlexRide, and RTC Access which is only for disabled people. Currently, RTC Washoe pays its contractor MTM, a rate of $68.87 per service hour. There is a huge disconnect between what MTM and smug RTC Washoe executives, managers and employees publicly boast and what the reality is for me the passenger, their customer. The RTC Washoe liaison with RTC FlexRide is snooty Susana "Suzi" Trinidad who is ONLY RTC Washoe supportive and NOT RTC FlexRide customer supportive, doesn't like to interact direct with RTC FlexRide customers and when she is forced to, is not professional. According to the website Transparent Nevada at https://transparentnevada.com/salaries/2018/regional-transportation-commission-washoe-county/ , in 2018: Susana Trinidad, a RTC Washoe ParaTransit Analyst got $107,299.45 in total pay and benefits. It 2019, the last year RTC Washoe reported, it went to $117,267.46. That is THREE times what a 100% military Service-connected disabled Veterans unable to be employed due to their military Service disabilities receives. Why hasn't RTC Washoe reported total pay and benefits for all RTC Washoe employees for 2020 and 2021 as required? All RTC Washoe Commissioners, executives, managers, and employees at RTC Washoe should be required to ride RTC Ride, RTC FlexRide and RTC Access (the public bus exclusively for disabled people) once a month. All RTC Washoe Commissioners, executives and managers at RTC Washoe should be required to drive for RTC Washoe, RTC FlexRide and RTC Access once a month. Instead, these prima-donna RTC Washoe Commissioners, executives and managers at RTC Washoe work in ivory towers. Instead, these self-important RTC Washoe Commissioners, executives and managers at RTC Washoe are completely insulated away from those they are paid with public tax dollars to serve and assist. I rate the RTC FlexRide drivers a HIGH 5. I rate the RTC FlexRide schedulers a high 4.5. I rate the RTC FlexRide dispatch a high 4.5. I rate RTC FlexRide Customer Service an average of 3 for sometimes being a high 4 and far too many other times being a could've been better 2. I rate the RTC Washoe liaison with RTC FlexRide a could've been better 2. I rate the RTC Washoe RTC Washoe Commissioners, executives and managers a could've been better 2 because bad customer service from management is not a point of view. Overall, I rate RTC FlexRide with a could've been better 2 stars.

    Bullshit. One way ride, but don't count on getting back. Total assholes…read more Wouldn't give me a ride back from Boomtown. Money on me and all. Not nice customer service.

    California Zephyr - Amtrak - landmarks - Updated May 2026

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